Blog Posts - ADLDpk.org

Eating Nuts May Help Keep Weight Gain in Check

2/6/2020

We put on about a pound a year as we age. Nuts may help curb those gains. Researchers tracked the diets of 144,885 adults without diabetes over more than 20 years. After accounting for age and lifestyle factors such as exercise and smoking, they found that participants who ate at least half an ounce of nuts (about two tablespoons, or the equivalent of a dozen almonds) a day gained about 1.5 pounds fewer every four years than those who didn’t eat nuts—a small but significant difference. Eating nuts also reduced the risk of becoming obese by 23 percent over four years. It’s not clear whether nuts directly prevent weight gain, but they’re filling and fiber rich, so they may help curb your appetite.

Source: BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, Sept. 23, 2019

FIT 4 HEALTH LAUNCH EVENT Arranged by ADLDi and Novo Nordisk Pakistan

2/4/2020

ADLDi and Novo Nordisk Pakistan have initiated a diabetes and Obesity awareness project for school children and Adolescents . The project “ Fit 4 Health” has been endorsed by Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination.

Islamabad, Pakistan, 03 February 2020¬–Alliance for Diabetes and Liver Diseases (ADLDi) announced the launch of Fit 4 Health awareness campaign in collaboration with Novo Nordisk Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. in a press conference held at Islamabad.

Addressing the Press Conference, Chairperson ADLDi Prof. Dr Saleem Qureshi said “Diabetes is a situation that needs to be addressed urgently as it poses a great burden on the economy of Pakistan. An initiative like Fit 4 Healthwhich focuses towards creating awareness among the youth, is certainly a step in the right direction”.

The Co chair ADLDi, Dr Musarrat Iqbal said that the objective of this collective initiative is to create awareness among students about the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle from an early age to stop the twin epidemic of diabetes & Obesity which are spreading in our youth. “Lifestyle modification, physical activity and healthy diet can delay or prevent onset of type 2 diabetes”. We are already a little late , she said.

“As a collaborative partner, our focus is to create awareness by informing general public about diabetes and play our part in reducing the complications caused by diabetes”, said Mr Rashed Rafique, VP & GM of Novo Nordisk Pharma (Pvt) Ltd.

The Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, Mr. Rolf M. Holmboe also supported the cause through his presence during the launch event. Wasim Akram, brand ambassador for changing diabetes® in Pakistan, shared his experience with the audience emphasizing on the importance of early diagnosis for better management of diabetes. The press conference was attended by principals and faculty members of various participating schools of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Fit 4 Health awareness campaign has been endorsed by the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination and will be run under supervision of Prof. DrSaleem Qureshi, consultant physician and Chairperson ADLDi and Dr Musarrat Iqbal, physician and Co chair ADLDi, invarious schools and colleges across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Heart Safety and Type 2 Drugs

2/3/2020

There’s long been a debate about the long-term cardiovascular safety of type 2 oral medications in the sulfonylurea class, but a study found the drugs are unlikely to harm the heart. A trial involving more than 6,000 adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk for heart problems compared two blood glucose–lowering drugs: the DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin (Tradjenta), which previous studies had shown to be safe for the heart, and the sulfonylurea glimepiride (Amaryl). Participants prescribed daily glimepiride had about the same rates of heart attack–, stroke-, or heart disease–related death combined as those who took linagliptin, about 12 percent in each group. However, with glimepiride, low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) was about three times more common (38 percent versus 11 percent), and the glimepiride group gained more weight, resulting in about a 4-pound difference. On the other hand, glimepiride is far less expensive. Be sure to discuss all your options with your doctor.

Source: JAMA, published online Sept. 19, 2019

Diabetes and anxiety: What is the link?

1/30/2020

Diabetes and anxiety are two serious yet common conditions, which can share some of the same symptoms.
People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing anxiety because they may experience excessive fear and worry about the management and possible progression of diabetes. Concerns over the physical symptoms themselves can also trigger anxiety.
Anxiety can, in turn, interfere with a person's ability to manage their blood sugar levels. Due to this, a person who has diabetes should see their doctor if they begin to experience symptoms of anxiety.
Many treatment options are available to help people deal with the symptoms of diabetes and anxiety. Certain lifestyle changes may also help with the management of both conditions.

January 27th, 2020

1/27/2020

Healthful Foods May Ease Depression

1/25/2020

Healthy meals may lift depression. Australian researchers recruited 76 university students with at least moderate depression whose diets were high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fat. None had diabetes. They randomly divided the participants into two groups, which had similar levels of exercise and antidepressant use. One group received brief nutrition education and instructions to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and other good-for-you foods. The other group’s eating habits didn’t change. After three weeks, the healthy eaters’ depression symptoms improved by 29 percent. The other participants felt no better. Stick to a healthy diet by planning nutritious meals in advance rather than making food choices when you’re too hungry to resist temptations.
January 2020 News, Mental Health, Coping, Nutrition

Depression and Exercise

1/25/2020

January 2020 News, Mental Health, Fitness, Well-Being
Depression makes it hard to exercise. Researchers reviewed data from two studies, which together included 1,163 older adults in a diabetes prevention program. Half were randomly assigned to programs designed to increase exercise. For three years, participants used a pedometer or other device to count their steps. They also underwent annual evaluations for depression. Those in the walking program who weren’t depressed at the study’s start boosted their daily steps by an average of 592 a day; among depressed participants, that average was just 328. In fact, each symptom of depression reported at the start of the study led to nearly 100 fewer steps per day. If you’ve spent months feeling down and less interested in engaging in activities such as exercise, ask your doctor about being evaluated for depression.

Source: Diabetes Care, October 2019

Dr. Saleem Qureshi on What is New in Diabetes? What are the new Diabetes management tips, and what are the best way to manage Diabetes keeping healthy lifestyle? Dr. Saleem Qureshi explains.

1/13/2020

Recipe of the Day

1/2/2020

Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaves

Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size: 4 oz
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients
Green Chutney Masala
1 green chili, seeds removed
3 cloves garlic
2 oz.mango
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
2 Tbsp. grated fresh coconut
1/2 tsp.salt
1 1/2 lb. sea bass, scaled and cleaned, or 4 (4-oz) fillets
4 pieces banana leaf or 4 Swiss chard leaves
1 Tbsp.sunflower oil

Directions
-In a blender, combine the green chutney masala ingredients and blend to a fine paste.
-Evenly apply the paste to the whole fish (or some paste to each fillet), and then wrap the fish tightly in the banana or Swiss chard leaves. Brush the tops of the leaves with the sunflower oil. Place the wrapped fish in a steamer and cook for 15 minutes.
-Cut open the leaf wrapping, slicing away from your body, and carefully release the steam before serving.

SUICIDE RISKS AND TYPE 1 DIABETES

12/25/2019

Everyone who lives with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) knows that chronic disease can take a toll on your mental well-being, as well as physical health. We’re constantly monitoring, calculating, dosing and troubleshooting, and we never get a day off. Feelings of frustration, exhaustion, and even hopelessness can build up, and if they go unaddressed they potentially can lead to more serious mental health concerns.
A 2014 review of 20 studies that looked at the relationship between T1D and suicide, found that people with T1D also have a higher risk of suicide than the general population.
Are you (or is someone you know) at risk?
Depression is the most common mental health condition associated with suicide and suicidal ideation, or thoughts about suicide, is a symptom of Major Depressive Disorder. We know that people with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms of depression than people who do not have diabetes. In fact, research shows that people living with T1D are almost twice as likely to develop Major Depressive Disorder compared to the general population.
If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or thoughts of hurting yourself, let your health care team know right away. Symptoms of depression include:

Depressed mood
Loss of energy
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
Difficulty focusing and making decisions
Loss of appetite, or eating too much
Feelings of hopelessness
Thoughts of suicide

What are the warning signs of suicide?
People’s behavior can often give clues that they maybe thinking about suicide. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, warning signs may include:

Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
Looking for a way to kill oneself
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or feeling isolated
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings

If you or someone you know shows any of these warning signs, do not ignore them. Seek help immediately.